Peach Swirl Ice Cream
This No Churn Peach Swirl Ice Cream combines ripe peaches, rich cream, and sweetened condensed milk into a luscious frozen treat. With just four ingredients and minimal prep, it’s an easy, make-ahead dessert perfect for summer or anytime you crave a creamy, fruity indulgence.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 2-quart (8x8 inch) pan
- Spatula or small knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup peach amaretto jam or 1 cup peeled pitted, pureed ripe peaches
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ¼ cups 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Peach Jam or Puree: If you’re using peach amaretto jam, make sure it has been prepared the day before and chilled in the refrigerator. If opting for fresh peaches, select very ripe, juicy peaches for maximum sweetness and flavor. Peel, pit, and puree them until smooth. The jam or puree should be thick but spoonable, so it creates beautiful swirls without sinking to the bottom of the ice cream. Set aside for later layering.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: Pour the cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla bean paste or extract. Using an electric mixer on medium speed (or a whisk if doing by hand), whip the cream until it forms medium peaks. Medium peaks mean the cream holds its shape but is still soft and smooth; over-whipping will make it grainy or turn it into butter, so pay careful attention. The whipped cream is the base for the creamy texture of the ice cream.
- Incorporate the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the whipped cream. Using a large spatula, gently fold the milk into the cream with a light, sweeping motion. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream—fold just enough to combine. This mixture forms a rich, creamy base that will freeze into smooth, scoopable ice cream without needing an ice cream maker.
- Layer the Cream Mixture: Take your 2-quart (8x8 inch) pan and pour in half of the whipped cream mixture, spreading it evenly to create a flat base layer. This will be the bottom layer that holds the peach swirls beautifully.
- Add the Peach Jam or Puree: Randomly spoon dollops of the peach jam or puree over the cream layer. You don’t need to spread it perfectly—the goal is a natural, swirled look that gives bursts of peach flavor in every bite. This randomness creates the signature swirl effect once the ice cream is frozen.
- Top with Remaining Cream: Carefully pour the remaining whipped cream mixture over the peach layer, spreading it gently to cover the peaches. Try not to disturb the dollops underneath too much, as the swirls will form during the next step.
- Create the Swirls: Turn the pan 90 degrees so you can swirl in a different direction. Using a small spatula, butter knife, or skewer, gently swirl the peach jam or puree through the cream. Move in sweeping motions without over-mixing. The goal is to create visible streaks of peach throughout the ice cream while keeping the creamy base intact.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the freezer. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or until firm. If your pan is deeper than 2 quarts, it may take longer to freeze completely. Avoid stirring during freezing to maintain the creamy texture and swirl pattern.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once fully frozen, remove from the freezer and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly for easy scooping. Serve in bowls or cones, and watch as the peach swirls bring visual appeal and bursts of fruity flavor in every spoonful. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Always choose ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor, especially if using fresh puree instead of jam. Under-ripe peaches can result in a less sweet or tangy ice cream.
- Whipping the cream to medium peaks is crucial; over-whipping can turn it grainy, while under-whipping may make the ice cream too soft.
- Folding the condensed milk gently ensures a smooth, creamy texture without deflating the whipped cream.
- The swirl effect is best achieved by lightly swirling with a knife or spatula; avoid over-mixing to preserve the beautiful streaks of peach throughout the ice cream.
- For a boozy twist, use a peach amaretto jam or add a splash of your favorite liqueur to the puree, but keep the quantity minimal to avoid affecting freezing.
